Abstract: A microfluidic device having a substrate with an array of curvilinear cavities. The substrate of the microfluidic device is preferably fabricated of a polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The microfluidic device is manufactured using a gas expansion molding (GEM) technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for precipitating mono or multiple layers of organophosphoric acids of the general formula I (A) Y—B—OPO3H2??(IA) or of organophosphonic acids of the general formula I (B) Y—B—PO3H2??(IB) and the salts thereof, wherein B is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl, aryl, aralkyl, hetaryl or hetarylalkyl residue and Y is hydrogen or a functional group from the hydroxy, carboxy, amino, optionally low-alkyl-substituted mono or dialkylamino series, thiol, or a negative acid group from the ester, phosphate, phosphonate, sulfate, sulfonate, maleimide, succinimydyl, epoxy, acrylate series, wherein a biological, biochemical or synthetic indicator element may be coupled to B or Y by addition or substitution reaction, wherein compounds may also be added conferring the substrate surface a resistance to protein adsorption and/or to cell adhesion and in the B chain may optionally be comprised one or more ethylene oxide groups, rather than one or more —CH2- groups.

Abstract: This invention provides solid phase specific binding lateral flow assay methods, devices and kits for quantitating high and low molecular weight analytes. The methods and devices of the invention employ labelled reagents which are either analyte analogs or complementary specific binding pair members for the analyte and a novel arrangement of capture zones comprising immobilized specific binding substances for either the analyte or the labelled reagent to effect bound from unbound labelled reagent as a function of analyte concentration. The capture zones are disposed on a non-bibulous matrix defining a flow path from a sample receiving zone to the capture zone. The devices of this invention also include multilane flow paths and multiple capture zones to quantitate analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid analysis device for analysis of nucleic acid in a sample through fluorometry, in which a localized surface plasmon by light irradiation, and in which a nucleic acid probe or a nucleic acid synthase for the analysis of the nucleic acid in the sample is disposed in a region of generation of the surface plasmon. The present invention allows the fluorescence intensifying effect of the surface plasmon to be produced efficiently and also enables the immobilization of a DNA probe or the nucleic acid synthase in a region on which the fluorescence intensifying effect is exerted, thus making it possible to carry out a measurement on the base elongation reaction without having to remove the unreacted substrate with the fluorescent molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical instrument (1) which includes a flow path (5) for moving a sample containing blood cells, an introduction port (50) for introducing the sample into the flow path (5), a reagent portion (51) arranged in the flow path (5), and an electron detection medium (52) for obtaining information necessary for analyzing an analysis target component contained in the sample in relation with an amount of electrons transferred. The reagent portion (51) contains an electron mediator for supplying an electron taken from the analysis target component in the sample to the electron detection medium (52), and at least part of the reagent portion is positioned adjacent to the introduction port (50).

Abstract: Diagnostic in-vitro devices for use in the assaying of biological fluids are provided which include cover plates or backing strips which exhibit hydrophilic properties to assist in transport of the biological fluid or retention of same within the device. Exemplary diagnostic devices include lateral flow devices, microfluidic devices and microtiter plates. The devices may also be comprised of low fluorescent material in order to facilitate any diagnostic determination by use of fluorescent emissions. Hydrophilic properties may be imparted to the cover plates or backing strips by physical or chemical treatment thereof. The cover plates or backing strips may exhibit heat sealable or pressure sensitive properties.

Abstract: An assay device, analytical instrument and assay method for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a fluid is disclosed. The device is a one-step lateral flow dry reagent immunoassay with one, two or more zones along a transverse axis of the device, each zone can contain or be preceded by diffusively or non-diffusively bound reagents. The invention measures an indicator in one or two test zones for each analyte to determine its presence or concentration. The signal reagent (indicator) may be a particle such as a colored latex or colloidal gold. The assay quantitation may be read by an instrument.

Abstract: Methods and cassettes for cell-based toxin detection and organ localization are disclosed. The cassettes includes an array containing cells and a matrix of openings or depressions, wherein each region of the substrate enclosed by the opening or depression in the matrix forms a domain individually addressable by microfluidic channels in the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for analyzing test samples containing target analytes including proteins and nucleic acids. The invention uses a surface acoustic wave sensor in combination with a hydrogel to obtain an ultra sensitive non-fluorescent detection system.

Abstract: Provided is sampling and testing device for the detection of specific molds, allergens, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other protein containing substances. Embodiments of the device include a sampling member slideably engaged with a base that contains a lateral flow strip adapted to detect specific analytes of interest. The sampling member defines a solvent reservoir that stores an elution solvent in a fluid-tight manner before the device is used to sample and test environmental surfaces. During slideable withdrawal of the sampling member from the base, the elution solvent stored in the reservoir is automatically released to a wick assembly of the sampling member. The wick assembly includes a wick adapted to receive, distribute, and retain the elution solvent. After a user samples an environmental surface for an analyte of interest with the elution solvent wetted wick, the sampling member is returned to the base where the wick contacts the lateral flow strip contained in the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for containing, reacting and measuring, and a method of containing, reacting and measuring, and provides a device for containing, reacting and measuring, and a method of containing, reacting and measuring which is also able to effectively and quickly perform the reaction processing, measuring and identification.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for determining enzymatic competency, which is important in determining whether a patient may suffer an adverse drug reaction, has a disease associated with defects in specific enzymatic function, and/or has an enzyme defect that is likely to cause pathophysiology. As contemplated herein, a parent molecular entity is administered to a patient in whom enzymatic competency is to be determined. A sample of the patient's bodily fluid is exposed to a sensor of the invention to distinguish, detect, and quantify a detectable entity in the bodily fluid. Sensor-acquired data regarding the detectable entity is used to determine enzymatic competency. Preferably, a sample of a patient's exhaled breath is collected and exposed to the sensor of the invention.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simultaneously carrying out the detection or measurement of a substance interacting with a physiologically active substance immobilized on a biosensor and the analysis of the effects of the above substance on the biological activity of the physiologically active substance. The present invention provides a method using a biosensor formed by immobilizing a physiologically active substance on a substrate, wherein the detection and measurement of a substance interacting with said physiologically active substance and the measurement of the biological activity of said physiologically active substance are carried out on said single biosensor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

Abstract: The methods, compositions and apparatus disclosed herein are of use for nucleic acid sequence determination. The methods involve isolation of one or more nucleic acid template molecules and polymerization of a nascent complementary strand of nucleic acid, using a DNA or RNA polymerase or similar synthetic reagent. As the nascent strand is extended one nucleotide at a time, the disappearance of nucleotide precursors from solution is monitored by Raman spectroscopy or FRET. The nucleic acid sequence of the nascent strand, and the complementary sequence of the template strand, may be determined by tracking the order of incorporation of nucleotide precursors during the polymerization reaction. Certain embodiments concern apparatus comprising a reaction chamber and detection unit, of use in practicing the claimed methods. The methods, compositions and apparatus are of use in sequencing very long nucleic acid templates in a single sequencing reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for an analyte in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the detection of a ligand in a body fluid such as urine or blood, which includes an immobilization zone for interfering agents in a sample.

Abstract: Rapid lateral flow immunoassays have an extensive history of use in both the clinical and home settings. These devices are used to test for a variety of analytes, such as drugs of abuse, hormones, proteins, urine or plasma components and the like. The present invention provides an improved procedural control that indicates to the test user that at least a portion of the applied sample has passed through the test result zone of the test strip, and optionally that the test is complete and the test results may be read.

Abstract: An inverted microplate for conducting a thermocycled amplification reaction of polynucleotide. The microplate can comprise a main body having a first and second surfaces and a plurality of wells disposed in the first surface. Each of the plurality of wells can comprise a well opening and a well bottom and be sized to receive an assay. A sealing cover can be operably coupled to the first surface of the main body to seal the well openings of the plurality of wells when the main body is inverted so that the assay is in contact with the sealing covering cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood coagulation accelerator excellent under severe conditions at ordinary or higher temperatures and capable of exhibiting high blood coagulation performance stably over a long period of time, as well as a container for blood examination wherein the blood coagulation accelerator is accommodated. Disclosed is a blood coagulation accelerator comprising an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing in a peptide chain a bond between arginine and an arbitrary amino acid residue and/or a bond between lysine and an arbitrary amino acid residue, an inactivated enzyme product comprising the above-mentioned enzyme inactivated by radiation irradiation, and ?-alanine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood testing bottomed tube, which comprises a tubular member having an open one end and closed another end, and a coating layer formed on at least a part to be contacted with blood on said tubular member, said coating layer being made of a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether or a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether, the present invention also relates to a stopper for a blood testing bottom tube and a blood testing container.

Abstract: An assay device (1) having a rotatable platform (2) with a test chamber (6) and a sensor (20) which undergoes displacement when subject to a particular substance such as a chemical, biological species or other organism. The sensor is a cantilever beam (21) with a porous section (23) to enhance sensitivity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

Abstract: The invention aims to efficiently collect microorganisms from a test sample and accurately detect and quantify the collected microorganisms. A microorganism-collecting chip of the invention basically comprises a filter for removing contaminants and a filter for trapping microorganisms. A microorganism-collecting kit comprises the foregoing microorganism-collecting chip and a suction filtration unit. The suction filtration unit is, for example, a negative pressure tube provided at an opening with a rubber stopper. The microorganism-collecting chip has a liquid specimen injection container for injecting a liquid specimen and a hollow needle capable of penetrating the rubber stopper mounted at the opening of the negative pressure tube. The liquid specimen injected into the liquid specimen injection container is suction-filtered with a pressure of the negative pressure tube.

Abstract: A method of quantifying glucose in a solution characterized in that electric potential measurement is conducted by potentiometry using a glucose dehydrogenase that requires a flavin compound as a coenzyme. It is preferable to carry out the quantification using a glucose dehydrogenase derived from a filamentous fungus, in particular derived from Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus terreus.

Abstract: A non-continuous immunoassay device which includes two or more separated pads for immunoassay analysis, and is capable of controlling the migration speed of a mobile phase between the separated pads, and an immunoassay method using the same are disclosed. The immunoassay device includes a first pad receiving a mobile phase; a second pad which is spatially separated from the first pad by a predetermined distance, and to which the mobile phase migrates; an upper case for covering the upper parts of the first pad and the second pad; a lower case for covering the lower parts of the first pad and the second pad; and a connecting member which is formed on at least one of the upper case and the lower case, and located between the first pad and the second pad to form a passage for moving the liquid sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatographic test device, comprising a first blood cell separation member, a second blood cell separation member and a chromatographic carrier disposed in this order from the upstream side of the direction of development of a sample, wherein the first blood cell separation member is constituted so as to separate the blood cell components and the liquid components from each other based on a development speed; the second blood cell separation member is constituted so as to separate the blood cell components and the liquid components from each other based on filtration; and the chromatographic carrier carries a capturing substance being capable of binding specifically to the analyte. A method for detecting the analyte in the sample containing red blood cells and liquid components by using the chromatographic test device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of conducting amplification comprising loading a liquid polynucleotide sample into a well of a microplate and covering the well of the microplate with a cover, such that the cover fluidly seals the liquid polynucleotide sample within the well. The method then comprises inverting the microplate such that the liquid polynucleotide sample contacts the cover; and thermocycling the microplate to promote amplification of polynucleotides in the liquid polynucleotide sample.

Abstract: A system includes a device for collecting gas-borne matter therein and a humectant provided external to the device for maintaining a desired humidity level for collected matter in the device.

Abstract: An immunochromatographic test device of the present invention comprises: a sample receiving member for receiving a sample; a label holding member for holding a labeling substance to bind to an analyte contained in the sample; and a chromatographic membrane having a detection zone at which an immobilization substance to bind to the analyte is immobilized, wherein the sample receiving member disposed to cover the label holding member and in contact with the chromatographic membrane, and the chromatographic membrane is spaced apart from the label holding member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting changes in the refractive index at the surface of a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) detection system. The method includes generating an insoluble product from an enzymatic substrate using an immobilized enzyme, wherein the insoluble product accumulates at a LSPR supporting surface. The method also includes detecting changes in the reflected or transmitted light of the surface arising from the presence of the insoluble product using LSPR.

Abstract: The inventions relates to compositions and method for determining the absolute counts of cells per unit volume of a sample. Such a method comprises: (a) providing a container containing: (i) a predetermined quantity of microparticles; and (ii) a cell-binding agent; in which the microparticles are disposed in or on a matrix which adheres to at least one wall of the container such that substantially all the microparticles are thereby attached to the container; (b) adding a known volume of sample to the container; (c) determining the ratio of microparticles to cells by counting microparticles and cells in a volume of the sample; and (d) determining the absolute count of cells by multiplying the number of cells per microparticle by the concentration of microparticles in the sample.

Abstract: Methods of binding and detecting a microorganism on a solid substrate. The microorganism is bound on a solid substrate covalently bound to a capture agent having a saccharide moiety. A lectin capable of binding to the microorganism and the saccharide moiety of the capture agent is added to the sample to bind the microorganism on the solid substrate. Further provided are biosensor devices, such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device or a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device, that incorporate the solid substrate for the detection of microorganisms.

Abstract: An oocyte recording chamber for electrophysiological measurements. The recording chamber includes a base and a cover attached to the base. The cover and the base define a chamber having a size sufficient to accommodate an oocyte. The recording chamber includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are positioned so that the tips of the electrodes penetrate the membrane of the oocyte when the cover is fastened to the base. The recording chamber also includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode exposed to the chamber and used as ground electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards a reagent system for detecting an analyte in a sample. The reagent system has a detection reagent comprising an enzyme-coenzyme complex in a form such that no regeneration of the coenzyme takes place, whereby the enzyme-coenzyme complex is employed in an at least stoichiometric amount relative to the analyte present in the sample, and a support to receive the detection reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring the concentration of analytes with the aid of an oxidase in an immersion sensor situated in a fluid or in a matrix containing fluid. Oxygen diffuses into the enzyme layer from within, from a gas-filled space connected to the atmosphere and/or to an oxygen reservoir. This enables oxygen saturation of the oxidase in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free medium and/or at high analyte concentrations. The analyte diffuses into the enzyme layer in a channel or a number of channels which contain(s) water and limit(s) diffusion, wherein the channel/channels on the surface of the sensor is/are filled with a protein-impermeable, hydrophilic matrix. By increasing the channel cross-section on the surface of the sensor and/or by connecting the channel/channels to a protein-impermeable, porous, hydrophilic layer on the surface of the sensor, the effect of outer deposits on the diffusion resistance of the analyte is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic methods and devices that can be used to assay a medium, such as tissue in vivo or a sample in vitro (e.g. biological sample or environmental sample), in order to determine the presence, quantity, and/or concentration ratio of one or more target analytes.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a method capable of easily realizing immobilization with the optimum density derived from a concentration control and without phase separation in coadsorption of a number of molecules. The immobilization method can include the step of dissolving a plurality of molecules to be immobilized to a solid phase substrate with a solvent to obtain a solution of the plurality of molecules, and the step of incubating the solution and the solid phase substrate in touch therewith. Each of the molecules can include a solid phase substrate joint portion having a jointing property to the solid phase substrate, a functional portion having a specific function, and a linker portion positioned between the solid phase substrate joint portion and the functional portion.

Abstract: The invention is related to different embodiments of a kit for the simultaneous qualitative and/or quantitative determination of a multitude of analytes comprising a sensor platform comprising an optical thin-film waveguide with a layer (a) transparent at least at an excitation wavelength on a layer (b) with lower refractive index than layer (a), also transparent at least at said excitation wavelength, and at least one grating structure (c) modulated in said layer (a), for the incoupling of said excitation light into layer (a), at least one array of biological or biochemical or synthetic recognition elements immobilized in discrete measurement areas (d) directly or by means of an adhesion-promoting layer on layer (a), for specific recognition and/or binding of said analytes and/or for specific interaction with said analytes, means for laterally resolved referencing of the excitation light intensity available in the measurement areas, and optionally means for the calibration of one or more luminescences gen

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-priced bioassay element, comprising: a carrier comprising a porous cellulose filter paper and a stationary layer, wherein said stationary layer comprises casein and calcium ions, and covers on said porous cellulose filter paper; a coating film comprising casein and calcium ions, which covers on the surface of said carrier; and an enzyme dispersed in said coating film; in which the activity of the enzyme comprised in the bioassay element can be maintained for a long time, and the assay result can be read by naked eyes or a spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A system for the rapid detection of microbial contamination in a fluid sample such as water, involving the use of a filter material having a surface adapted to receive the sample in order to retain substantially all microbes from the sample on the filter surface under conditions that minimize the potential for contamination from sources other than the sample itself, and in a manner that permits the filter surface to be incubated in order to grow viable microbes contained thereon, in combination with a growth medium and an analytic instrument to permit analysis of the filter surface, within a predetermined incubation period, in order to determine whether the growth onset of viable microbes that may be present on the surface has begun.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample where the lateral flow assay device has a porous membrane in communication with a wicking pad. The porous membrane has a detection zone which has a chromophore configured to chemically react with an analyte or a secondary trigger or a reaction product from the analyte and a trigger generating reagent(s), to generate a visually detectible signal. Additional chrmophore zones may be located downstream from the first chrmophore zone to generate signals of varying color. Scavenging zones may be included between chromophore zones to attenuate the signal by reacting with the analyte without generating a visually detectable signal.

Abstract: Novel magnetic assay methods and systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a chromatographic medium is provided that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles such that the solution flows bilaterally thereacross. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is selectively applied to the medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site on the medium specified by the position of the magnet, to thus form a captured line or zone. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic field is applied at the site on the medium at which the test solution is contacted. The assay is multi-configurable and can be modified to suit a particular immuno-separation procedure or application.

Abstract: A device (1) for the carrying out of investigations on cell cultures (2) which take place in a liquid culture medium (4). The device possesses at least a receptacle (3) to contain the culture medium (4) including the cell culture (2), wherein one or more sensors (6) for measurement of the cell culture activities is provided and wherein the receptacle (3) has at least an opening for the adding and the removal of liquid culture medium (4) and the like. A separating element (7) can be introduced into the open upper part of the receptacle (3) and can be brought within the said receptacle (3) in a position close to the bottom (5), in which the said separating element (7) makes a boundary forming a partial space (8) which has a small volume in relation to the entire volume of the receptacle (3). Further, a flow channel (9) is provided, which first, communicates with the small volume partial space (8), and second, communicates with the said reservoir (14).

Abstract: A compact sensor for detecting the presence of biological or chemical species includes a microdisk laser and a wavelength shift detector. The microdisk laser is coated with a biological or chemical recognition element, which binds preferentially with a target analyte. Because the recognition element and the target analyte adhere to the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser, they increase the effective diameter of the laser, which shifts the output wavelength by a detectable amount. The presence of a wavelength shift indicates the presence of the target analyte, and the magnitude of the wavelength shift corresponds to the mass load of the target analyte on the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser.

Abstract: A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting an analyte in a sample in which an analyte is bound to a detection reagent to form a bound complex. The device comprises (a) a sample (5) comprising an ionic analyte and a detection reagent in a conductive fluid, wherein the detection reagent has a net charge different from the analyte; (b) a first permeable polymeric hydrogel plate (3) and a first spacer plate (8), which plates provide a compartment for the sample; (c) an anode (1) juxtaposed to the outside of the first hydrogel plate and not in contact with the sample; (d) a cathode (9) juxtaposed to the outside of the first spacer plate and not in contact with the sample; (e) a voltage generator (10) to apply an electric potential to the anode and cathode; and (f) a detector (11).

Abstract: The equipment of the present invention can implement high-speed hybridization with a simple construction and is configured as described below. The equipment comprises a biochip prepared by fixing biopolymers onto a plurality of sites on a substrate, positive and negative electrodes for generating an electric field along the surface of this biochip substrate, and a magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field along the surface of the above biochip substrate, and is configured to move biopolymers movable in the fluid stored over the above-mentioned biochip substrate along the surface of the above biochip substrate as well as to attract the above described biopolymers towards the surface of the above biochip substrate during hybridization of the above biopolymers, by making the above-mentioned electric and magnetic fields act along the surface of the above biochip substrate.